How Feuding P-SQUARE Twin Brothers Can Get Their Acts Together

By Tony Onyima*

The iconic music duo P-Square released ‘E No Easy’ in 2009, featuring J Martins. They followed with more chart-topping singles. In a classic case of art imitating life, the Okoye twin brothers have recently faced difficulties.

Fame, petty jealousy, and greed have combined to ruin their lives. The two have been arguing on social media about money and other issues. Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, recently weighed in on the family feud between Peter and Paul Okoye, the iconic duo of P-Square, and their elder brother Jude.

The current dispute arose three years after they reconciled following their 2017 split.
The frequent skirmishes follow a pattern seen in musical groups around the world.

The history of popular music is littered with stories of famous bands and duos that, despite their success, eventually disbanded due to internal conflicts.

Understanding why these splits occur and learning from them can provide valuable insights into preventing further deterioration of relationships.
Creative differences are among the most common causes of musical group breakdowns.

As artists mature, they may develop diverse musical tastes, visions, and ideas. This can result in disagreements about the direction of the group’s music, which can be difficult to resolve.

A notable example is The Beatles, whose members began to diverge creatively, leading to their eventual split in 1970.
Success can boost egos, and tensions can rise when group members believe they are not getting the recognition or control they deserve.

Oasis, one of the most successful British bands of the 1990s, was torn apart by the feud between brothers Liam and Noel.

Their ongoing feuds over who was the true creative force behind the band led to their disbandment in 2009. Peter and Paul are arguing about who contributes more.

Money is another important factor that can cause disagreements in musical groups. Disagreements about how earnings should be distributed, financial management or perceptions of unequal contributions can all lead to resentment.

While never publicly quarrelling, the iconic band ABBA cited financial constraints as one of the reasons for their eventual hiatus.

Personal relationships within groups may become strained over time. Marriages, family ties, and friendships that once united a group can become sources of contention.

The Gibb brothers’ relationship in the Bee Gees faced numerous challenges, some of which stemmed from the complexities of combining family and business.

External pressures from the music industry, the media, and fans can exacerbate existing tensions. The expectations placed on groups to maintain their success can cause stress and lead to conflict.

The Spice Girls, one of the most successful girl groups of all time, were subjected to intense pressure from the media and industry, which contributed to their initial breakup in 2000.

P-Square must prioritise open and honest dialogue to address underlying issues. This requires putting aside egos and being willing to listen and compromise.

The Eagles, who split in 1980 due to personal issues but reunited in 1994, demonstrate the possibility of resolution when communication channels are kept open.

Re-aligning their vision for the future may assist P-Square in overcoming creative differences. They can find common ground by focusing on what drew them together and what they hope to accomplish together.

U2, one of the few bands to have remained together for decades, credits its longevity to a common goal and mutual respect.

To resolve disputes, it can be beneficial to involve a neutral third party. Mr Peter Obi’s involvement is a positive step, but professional mediators with music industry experience can provide structured guidance to help resolve underlying issues.

This approach proved useful for Fleetwood Mac, who worked with mediators to resolve personal and professional conflicts.

Encouraging solo projects or side ventures allows individuals to express their creativity without feeling constrained by the group.

This can help to reduce tensions and re-energise them when they meet again. The Rolling Stones’ members have successfully balanced individual projects with the band, allowing them to remain together for decades.

Maintaining transparency in financial transactions is critical to avoiding financial disputes. Clear agreements on how profits, royalties, and other earnings will be divided can help to avoid misunderstandings.

This principle has helped bands like Coldplay maintain harmony over time.
While the challenges that lead to musical group dissolution are numerous and complex, they are not insurmountable. For P-Square, learning from the experiences of other iconic groups can provide a road map to reconciliation and long-term success.
They can bring their acts together, overcome their current challenges, and continue to make music that resonates with fans all over the world by addressing the root causes of their conflicts, embracing open communication, and committing to a common vision.